Ben banks on smarter Money

RACING BEN Pearce knows he must first win the mind games with his talented colt Money Maher if he’s any chance of snaring Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville.

Pearce, who trains in part- nership with his brother Daniel at Karnup in Western Australia, is confident Money Maher has the raw talent and strength to be a factor in the $500,000 SA Derby (2500m).

But the colt’s manners have sometimes proved costly, including in his most recent run in the Group 2 $415,000 WATC Derby (2400m) when he was beaten by more than five lengths into fourth placing as a $4.40 chance.

“One of the problems that he has had in the past is overracing,” Pearce said.

“That’s something we’ve been working on for the past couple of preps.

“We’ve had the blinkers on and off and been playing around with his gear.

“We’ve pulled the blinkers off for this run, especially with the barrier. We’ll just be aiming to get him back in the field and getting him to settle.

“If he does settle, I think he’ll run out the 2500m strongly.”

Money Maher has certainly shown a good dose of ability in his 16 Perth starts, winning five times including three at Listed level, the most recent two starts over 2200m in the $100,000 Melvista Stakes at Ascot.

Pearce, who will saddle up his first runner outside of WA in the Derby, conceded Money Maher’s prospects took a significant hit when he drew barrier 17.

The colt, who’ll be ridden by regular jockey Jarrad Noske, is rated a $20 chance in the latest Ladbrokes fixed-odds markets for the Derby with Darren Weir runner Leicester the clear-cut favourite at $3.70.